The American Dream Starts @ Your Library

WHAT:  Library awarded grant from ALA and Dollar General

WHO:  English language learners

WHEN: now

WHERE: at your nearest library location

SALISBURY, MD – October 21, 2010 – Wicomico Public Library is one of 75 public libraries in 24 states that has been selected by the American Library Association (ALA) to receive a $5,000 grant as part of “The American Dream Starts @ your library®” literacy initiative.  This initiative is funded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

For more than a century, public libraries have been a cornerstone of the American Dream, providing equal access to information of all kinds. Libraries are among the first American institutions immigrants turn to for help in learning how to read, write and speak English.

The Library is using the funds to improve outreach efforts in the community.  Information about library services for people who are learning English is being translated into five languages and is being distributed to schools, adult education classes, local service agencies, and churches.  All library branches in the county have access to telephone translation service to help communicate with customers, access to online classes in English and citizenship, and access to online services in many languages.

Open house programs featuring library tours and online service demonstrations will be scheduled starting in January.

Wicomico Public Library:  Supporting Learning, Building Community, Enriching Lives!